NorCal drivers urged to be extra careful on roads ahead of rainy weekend
A driver experienced a close call on Thursday after his vehicle flipped down an embankment on Highway 50 west near Cameron Park in El Dorado County. With nothing but his coat and cell phone, the man was able to walk away, seemingly unhurt. He told KCRA he was on his way to an important appointment when he “hit a slippery patch and veered off.”California Department of Transportation officials said this could be the case for anyone on the roads as the rain continues to fall over the next few days. Dennis Keaton, Caltrans’ District 3 public information officer, is now advising people to avoid driving in the rain.”If you can possibly work it out so that you stay home, work from home or stay in the office for most of the day, that’s what we’d prefer,” Keaton said. Keaton says Caltrans maintenance teams are working around the clock throughout the Sacramento region this week to keep the roads clear. Some are clearing snow on pathways toward the Sierra while others cleared trash and leaves from storm drains, checked on pump locations and monitored electrical systems.But for those who can’t avoid the drive, including commercial vehicles and delivery trucks, Cal Trans is urging drivers to slow down. Keaton says having enough time to react in the case of a slippery road makes all the difference. Drivers are also urged to keep a safe distance from other vehicles and always keep headlights on.”That’s a state law now,” Keaton said. “If you’re seen driving around with just your wipers on and no headlights on while the rain is coming down, you could be cited by local law enforcement.”Delays can be expected for anyone traveling to the Sierra. The heavy rains mean there could be some fluctuating snow levels, according to Caltrans.Caltrans advises drivers to carry tire chains, food, water and charged electronic devices in case of an emergency.While no immediate dangers have been observed on any local interstates and highways , Caltrans teams are working after hours and monitoring any potentially dangerous conditions.
A driver experienced a close call on Thursday after his vehicle flipped down an embankment on Highway 50 west near Cameron Park in El Dorado County.
With nothing but his coat and cell phone, the man was able to walk away, seemingly unhurt.
He told KCRA he was on his way to an important appointment when he “hit a slippery patch and veered off.”
California Department of Transportation officials said this could be the case for anyone on the roads as the rain continues to fall over the next few days.
Dennis Keaton, Caltrans’ District 3 public information officer, is now advising people to avoid driving in the rain.
“If you can possibly work it out so that you stay home, work from home or stay in the office for most of the day, that’s what we’d prefer,” Keaton said.
Keaton says Caltrans maintenance teams are working around the clock throughout the Sacramento region this week to keep the roads clear.
Some are clearing snow on pathways toward the Sierra while others cleared trash and leaves from storm drains, checked on pump locations and monitored electrical systems.
But for those who can’t avoid the drive, including commercial vehicles and delivery trucks, Cal Trans is urging drivers to slow down.
Keaton says having enough time to react in the case of a slippery road makes all the difference.
Drivers are also urged to keep a safe distance from other vehicles and always keep headlights on.
“That’s a state law now,” Keaton said. “If you’re seen driving around with just your wipers on and no headlights on while the rain is coming down, you could be cited by local law enforcement.”
Delays can be expected for anyone traveling to the Sierra. The heavy rains mean there could be some fluctuating snow levels, according to Caltrans.
Caltrans advises drivers to carry tire chains, food, water and charged electronic devices in case of an emergency.
While no immediate dangers have been observed on any local interstates and highways, Caltrans teams are working after hours and monitoring any potentially dangerous conditions.